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Drita | 4 years ago
My Neighbor’s Outdoor Cat That She Claims As Hers Because It Hangs Out At Her …

My neighbor’s outdoor cat that she claims as hers because it hangs out at her home and she feeds is wildly neglected. the poor cats left side canine teeth have fused together with plaque and she can’t open her mouth to eat properly or drink water as her tongue sticks out on the right side of her mouth. She seems dehydrated and flea infested-I gave her half dose of Bravecto since she feels like she’s 4-5 pounds and is about 6-8 years old. The neighbor doesn’t seem to see this and believes that cat is fine since she’s trying to eat…… She has an indoor cat that she takes care of really well. Any recommendations? if I take the cat to the vet for dental treatment, what would the cost be for something like this and would a cat in this condition even make it through anesthesia?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If you are able to talk to your neighbor see if they are willing to let you help care for him. If you feel they are not willing to let you help call your local animal welfare officers, local rescues and shelters and ask for assistance for this cat. Cruelty and neglect of domestic animals is something that might motivate them to let you help for the best interest of this cat. Thank you for caring and reaching our.

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Jennie | 4 years ago
I Have A Question About Dog Food. Years Ago, We Had A German Shepherd Who Was …

I have a question about dog food. Years ago, we had a german shepherd who was allergic to chicken. We switched him (and our other 2 dogs) to grain free and they all did amazing on it. We mixed proteins and had no issues. Now, years later, we have a german shepherd pup (9 months old now). When he came to us at 8 weeks he was eating Victor grain free active dog and puppy. Our vet is anti-grain free and recommended Purina Pro Plan large breed puppy (chicken). We transitioned over a couple of weeks, but he had soft stools or diarrhea all the time and was itchy. He ended up having anal gland issues. We added pumpkin, bananas, yogurt and nothing helped.
We switched to the sslmon/sensitive skin and stomach puppy formula but it didn’t get better. We ended up adding Victor back in, and he got better. Now he is back on the Victor puppy grain free, mixed with the Victor grain included formula. No issues. But our Vet has us worried about heart issues, and I’m worried that we’re going to get a lecture because she only recommends Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet, RC, Ian’s – big companies with a vet on staff. Should we keep trying these, or stick with what’s working? (Our previous vet retired 🙁 ) We want to do the best thing for our puppy.

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am anti grain free too. I have seen perfectly healthy dogs die, in some cases even multiple dogs in the same house die from grain free diets and heart disease. It has changed me and I won’t recommend grain free until we know exactly what is happening and why. Along with what we can do about it. For now I don’t feed or recomend grain free. I also do not believe the anal glands are associated with the diet. I’ve seen thousands of dogs over decades and they don’t correlate to diet and anal sac issues. Please don’t think that we lecture because we are influenced by anything other then our training, our individual experiences and our deep fondness for the animals we have dedicated our lives too. To say we are paid or influenced by the pet food companies Is both untrue and unkind. You should find a diet that works for all of you and is safe to feed. My best to you all. Be kind to your vet. They want what’s best for your dog.

    1. Jennie Post author

      Thank you! I definitely don’t think that our vet is influenced by anything. I just feel sort of lost – we’ve had many dogs but never one with a sensitive tummy. We want to do what’s best for him. We’ll keep trying!

  2. Sarah

    Hi- we have a household of german shepherds. We feed Purina One large breed with glucosamine. There is a sensitive stomach option as well as a senior option. At the moment our GSDs are loving the venison option. Our youngest did have an adjustment period of about 2 weeks from when we got him until his stools got back on track with our food. Other than that one instance, we have always been very happy with this food. I should add that their health and lifespan has been great on this diet as well. ..14 years and very healthy up until the end. I would say chat more with your vet and see what comes of it. They may be able to provide you with more information that you will find useful.????????

  3. Laura

    I feed the food the dog does best on. If that means Victor, or some other grain free brand, then that’s what it means. (Though I’m really not a fan of Victor.)

    I have been a fan of Merrick for a long time. Try them, or Castor + Pollux, their other brand. If you think your dog is allergic to chicken, make sure you read labels carefully – LOTS of brands use chicken fat in formulations which do not list chicken as a main ingredient, and even a little of it will make our girl break out in hives and have loose stool. I can feed grain-inclusive foods as long as they’re limited ingredient.

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Madison | 4 years ago
My Brother Has A Bulldog And Is Telling Me That The Dog Is Having Trouble Standing. …

My brother has a bulldog and is telling me that the dog is having trouble standing. He dosent eat or drink. When he tries to get up he walks for a few minutes then collapses. He also pants all day. Is there any thing we could do or does anyone know what it is. There isn’t a local vet where he lives but he will take her if that’s the only option.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please get this dog to a vet immediately. Like now. I’m very worried about heart disease. Anemia. And about a hundred other conditions. All are emergencies.

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Mandi | 4 years ago
11 Month Old Puppy Has Welts/hives/bumps All Over Her Body And Legs.. Not Sure If …

11 month old puppy has welts/hives/bumps all over her body and legs.. not sure if it’s from something she ate, bees, allergic reaction to some type of plant? She’s acting pretty normal otherwise, just looks terrible! Her vet doesn’t have any appointments available for 10 days. He did say to give her Benadryl, which she has had two doses of and doesn’t seem to be helping much. When should I worry and consider taking her to an emergency vet clinic?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Call around and find a vet who is available to see you ASAP or ask your vet which emergency facility they refer to. I would start there. If it lasts longer than 6 hours I recommend an ER visit.

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Sandy | 4 years ago
Dr. Magnifico I Made An Appointment For Princess To See You On September 8th. She Is …

Dr. Magnifico

I made an appointment for Princess to see you on September 8th. She is overdue her shots and I sent a question that you responded to about her having her days and nights mixed up. Last night though while giving her extra attention and rubbing I found a lump on her belly. What is strange is that she slept all night and got up only to get up to eat and go in the litter box. I called the clinic to see if there were any openings but they are booked.
They were going to see if anyone had time just to check her belly. Such a quick change from 24 hours and I was concerned because she was sleeping all night. However within the last 5 minutes she is up playing so i think i will wait to see you tomorrow. The lump is on her belly more to one side and towards the back (dependingon how she is laying). I already lost 2 cats this year and I have one now with lymph node cancer mesentary. If she continues with her usual behavior of up and wanting attention tonight, is it safe to wait until the 8th or is it best for her to be seen sooner. I know to take her to the ER if she goes back to sleeping constantly….although that is her norm for daytime.

As always I appreciate and value your opinion.

Thanks
Sandy

My message was sent earlier today at which time Princess woke up and was playing with something. She went back to sleep and got up several hours ago to eat but then returned to the new bed I had gotten her. I brought out something that she likes to play with but she only played with it for about a minute and returned to her bed. I definitely will see you tomorrow with her and if she starts to exhibit anything more serious I will take her to the ER….unless you get this and think I should take her now. It is now 7:34 pm. This is around the time that she would start to get a little active.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have walk in appointments available from 1-3 sundays. I hope things are ok. If you want to come in on Sunday just arrive between 1245 and 2. It is first come first served. Take care. Krista.

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Sandy | 4 years ago
Scooter, My Cat For Over 21 Years Slept By My Chest Every Night. He Became Sick Earlier …

Scooter, my cat for over 21 years slept by my chest every night. He became sick earlier this year and had to be euthanized. Within days of losing him one of my other cats has decided to do everything in her power to keep me up at night. She will knock things over, turn off my cpap machine, etc. until I finally give in and get up and go downstairs with her. I usually will do stuff on the computer or straighten up. She usually just sits by me and after about 2 hours I can go back up to bed followed by her for about 5 or 6 hours. She is healthy, playful, friendly. Lately she has gotten worse and wants to be up more often. Tried locking her out of our room but she has clawed the carpet and the door. I cannot lock her in another room because she will do the same thing. I have been so exhausted that on a few occasions I have put her in the carrier for a few hours so I can get some sleep. She goes in willingly and makes bo noise while she is in there. I have tried to keep her up several hours before going to bed but nothing works.

Any suggestions. Oh she is about 10 years old. One odd thing is that if one of my other cats is sleeping with me which is rare, she will not bother me.

Thank you

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry for the loss of your kitty. The veterinarian in me wants to say that you should start at the vets office. Assuming your cat is healthy isn’t enough of an assurance that they are. A thorough exam, full bloodwork and a urine with thyroid are all indicated in my opinion. Start there. If all of that is normal ask about trying a medication or pheromone like feliway. If all else fails consider (and consider anyway) getting a companion for your kitty to play with at whatever time of day or night they want to. If you cannot it will not get another cat you can either create train overnight or put her in a place she can’t bother you. But make sure you make up for the time apart by spending lots of time together during the day. No one wants to feel like they lost their two best friends.

    1. Sandy Post author

      Thanks so much for the quick response. I will be calling to set up an appointment with you. For some reason last night continuing into this morning was the worse.

      1. Sandy Post author

        Dr. Magnifico
        I made an appointment for Princess to see you on September 8th. Thursday night into Friday morning she was the most “awake” that she has ever been. Last night though and into this morning she has been sleeping a lot. I was petting her to give her extra attention and I felt a lump on her belly. It is located more to one side and depending on her position close to her back leg. I spoke to someone at the clinic to see if anyone would have time just to feel it since there are no openings today. I don’t know if it is a fatty tumor, hernia, etc. but I am more concerned because she went from super awake to complete opposite in 24 hours. She is eating and using the litter box. If i cannot get someone to see her today I will bring her in tomorrow unless you think I should go to ER if no one can check her out today.

        As always I appreciate and value your advice.

        Thanks
        Sandy

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Mary | 4 years ago
Was Wondering When Allie Is Due Her Annual Vaccines? With This Pandemic And Your Office Being …

Was wondering when Allie is due her annual vaccines? With this pandemic and your office being closed for awhile. Now that your open , could you check when Allie is due for her physical. Thank you.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Hope you are all safe and well. I had dawn call you this am to go over the schedule. Sending hugs to all. Love that little firecracker to pieces.

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Kyle | 4 years ago
Kitty With A Coughing Attack

Hello Dr. Magnifico!
I found you on YouTube! I wanted to tell you how wonderful I think it is that you are going above and beyond to help pet owners worldwide!
I have a 4 year old female cat named boots. For over a year now, she has been having pretty severe coughing attacks daily. I have taken her to multiple vets that can’t tell me what’s going on. I have heard both upper and lower respiratory conditions could be involved. We got a chest X ray 2 weeks ago and it came back negative. Tried asthma medicine with no help. Tried an antibacterial in case it was an infection, and only very mild relief. Using 5mg Zyrtec daily has some relief. My vet suggests it may be nasopharyngeal polyps. I visited your page and saw your video removing these polyps in a cat, and the symptoms I have found for polyps don’t seem to quite match Boots. She doesn’t have a snorting sound while breathing, but her breathing is sometimes audible at rest. I am very fearful to proceed with further testing or procedures because I don’t want to spend so much money without knowing the problem will be fixed. Any suggestions?! THANK YOU!!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry for the delay. Covid has had me working like crazy.
    I think that a polyp should always be considered and your vet, or some credible accessible vet, should be willing to sedate to look behind the soft palate. It is a quick and easy thing to do, but, they also have to be willing to try to remove it. There are a fair number of vets around who love this procedure. Call everyone you can and ask for help. We are out there. You just have to dig. The other helpful tips are to call the local shelters and rescues and ask them if they have someone they can recommend. You can also try to find a feline exclusive practice. If you do find someone locally please (please!!) add it to our storylines section so we can pass along the info to the next person who asks.

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Shenagh | 4 years ago
My Dog Has A Seroma On Her Abdomen After Surgery 2 Weeks Ago For Hiatus Hernia. It …

My dog has a seroma on her abdomen after surgery 2 weeks ago for hiatus hernia. It is starting to reduce in size, now about tennis ball size and she is very well.
She is desperate to exercise, are we OK to take her on walks and for how long? We usually walk her 1-2 hours a day.
Thanks

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a question for the vet you saw. Only they can (or should) advise you on this. If any of us say it’s ok and something happens to worsen the seroma it would be terrible. So please call your vet and ask for their help here. Good luck.

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Gloria | 4 years ago
Xyzal Safety For Cats

Anyone know whether half a Xyzal tablet would be okay to give a kitty? (My spouse says “It’s the same as Zyrtec minus one stereo isomer,” whatever that means.) We currently give him half a Zyrtec when he gets super itchy, and it helps. Reason we are wondering is we have a huge bottle of Xyzal but no more Zyrtec.

He is treated monthly for fleas, does not go outside, and we’ve tried every way we can think of to help him other than meds. But sometimes he still scratches so much he makes his ears bleed, poor guy. The meds help him a lot.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but we cannot advise on medications. That needs to be done with your vet. Also I think they can help treat this if you call them and ask for assistance. Best of luck. I hope the ears are better soon.

    1. Gloria Post author

      Understood. Thank you. We’ll take him to the vet. I hope your pets are okay!